The DLwEp book provides an "ePortfolio Implentation Framework". The first is to define learning outcomes. Listed below are the Common Course Student Learning Outcomes for Introductory Astronomy. There are 16 outcomes. I don't think it's possible to assess all sixteen using ePortfolios (or at least, I'd rather not do that). There are laboratories, homeworks, and discussion assignments that cover many of the outcomes.
I've put in parenthesis next to each outcome how I think it should be assessed.
I've put in parenthesis next to each outcome how I think it should be assessed.
- Describe the size and scale of objects in the universe. (Possibly ePortfolio, homework)
- Explain our view of the sky from Earth, including how it changes over the course of a day, week, month, year, and over long time periods. (Addressed in laboratory, but could be an ePortfolio assignment having student make connection to home town or home country.)
- Use computer planetarium software to visualize and understand the motions of celestial objects. (Same as above.)
- Explain how mankind’s understanding of the universe has developed. (Possibly ePortfolio, homework)
- Describe the basic physics that underlies celestial mechanics, including Newton’s universal law of gravitation and Kepler’s Laws. (Homework, laboratory, and discussion assignments)
- Describe the various bodies that are found in the solar system. (Homework)
- Describe the importance of spectroscopy in the study of the universe and be able to solve simple problems dealing with Doppler shifts. (This is an important topic! possibly ePorfolio, in past semesters I've assessed w/ homework, laboratory, and discussion assignments)
- Describe what a telescope is, how it works and how to use one. (Homework and laboratory, but possibly ePortfolio, perhaps documenting a visit to our (or another) observatory)
- Describe the physical appearance and properties, of the Sun, and its composition, method of energy production, origin, life cycle and eventual fate. (Homework)
- Recognize a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram and describe its importance in understanding stellar evolution. (Oh, another very important topic! Usually assess with homework, laboratory, and discussion. Not sure how this could be made into ePortfolio assignment)
- Discuss the origin of stars, the interstellar medium, and the lifecycles of various classes of stars. (possibly ePortfolio, homework)
- Explain the structure and composition of the Milky Way Galaxy. (Homework and laboratory)
- Explain the expansion of the universe. (Possible ePortfolio? Something with Hubble and Lemaitre? Currently assess with laboratory, homework, and discussion)
- Discuss possible fates of the universe. (Homework and discussion)
- Be able to distinguish science from non-science or pseudoscience. (Don't have a particular assessment for this, last semester did a two-part "reflection" question on astrology. Maybe ePortfolio?)
- Identify reputable print and electronic sources of astronomical research and data. (Don't have a particular assessment for this one either. I'm thinking that putting together work for ePortfolio will take care of this one.)